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DIR Return to: Earthen Embankment Restoration Discussion (EERP)
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#Post#: 186--------------------------------------------------
Earthen Embankment Remediation Project (EERP) - Phase 2 Progress
Update
DIR By: Doug K
Date: December 10, 2018, 9:36 am
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The ECNA received a call today from the Western Division
Construction Manager from the NY Canal Corporation, this is the
person responsible for the EERP Project and also the Coordinator
between the various companies providing the overall Remediation
work along the Erie Canal. The call was centered on sharing some
minor changes to the Remediation Project Plan, specifically on
the process to be used from December to March, and then March to
the opening of the Erie for Navigation in May. We will cover
more details in this post.
First, the Erie Canal Project name change - EERP stands for
Earthen Embankment Remediation Project. It was changed at the
onset of the Phase 2 work here in Western NY counties and will
be used in the future for this safety project. It is no accident
that this was the chosen name. Do a simple Internet search of
those 4 words and you will be directed to webpages showing
similar project work globally, as well as key information on why
this type of work is done as well as how..good information if
anyone still has a question about the need for this work.
Secondly, the Re-Construction Teams from Buffalo & Syracuse have
done enough preliminary work to understand the complexity of the
Remediation process on the Erie Canal Dams and have come to the
conclusion that the original working plan has to be changed. The
original scope of work was to remove tree stumps, refill holes
with the special mix of soil, then re-excavate the embankment
outboard slopes with new topsoil and prepare for a Springtime
planting of grass or wildflowers mix. After much discussion the
teams agreed this plan would be heavily influenced by the winter
weather and has decided to split the work into TWO parts;
Pulling stumps & Reshaping Embankments. The first part, Pulling
& Back filling Stumps, which is much more critical to safety,
will be done from Now through March time frame. Part 2; adding
Topsoil & re-contouring the Embankment Slopes will be done in
March to May, when the materials needed are motre readily
available and it's easier to get the necessary equipment onto
the work sites. Its a small change, with a big impact
aesthetically but one that all agree is needed. After the stumps
are done and the slopes are re-graded, the grass/wildflower
planting can commence which will transform the Erie Canal, both
in the visual appeal, and in the fact that it will NOW be
conforming to recognized rules around Earthen Embankment Dams
for safety.
Third topic we discussed was about ramping up the ongoing repair
work. Currently the Syracuse-based crew from Tioga Construction
is moving from a single crew they started with, to 4 crews this
week. As you know that Crew is working westward from Spencerport
area. The second Reconstruction Company, Hohl Industries out of
the Buffalo area, is also adding 3 more crews to bring their
total to 4 as well. They will all be working to get the stumps
removed, roots ground to a 1" or less diameter (per USACE
guidelines) and refill the depressions with the correct mixture
of repair material as QUICKLY as possible to minimize any delays
due to weather. It looks like a good stretch of weather coming
our way so progress should be made by years's end.
We also discussed the challenges they have found in the process,
most notably the measures that have been taken to meet the
requirements of a minimum of 32°F temperature on the excavated
stump AND the replacement material. They now have to heat the
soil replacement mix offsite, and keep it warm as it is trucked
to the Embankment location under repair. While the truck is
enroute the team at the site has to insure the stump depression
is also warmer than 32°F and also DRY enough to not have any ice
issues later on when the weather turns real cold here. They do
that with a combination of tarps & ground heaters.
If you think about it the idea of patching and NOT covering the
repair up until Spring would ALSO allow these teams to
re-inspect their repairs to insure they meet the stringent
requirements for this type work.
So before anyone starts to complain AGAIN about how "ugly or
unappealing" the Erie Canal looks during this Remediation Work
please consider that the process is a challenge during the
Winter months AND this is a "work in progress" and like any BIG
job' it's small steps to a final solution. Consider that if this
work was done when it was easiest to perform, it would mean a
COMPLETE closure of the Erie Canal, both waterway & trailway,
during the warmer navigation season..and the NY Power Authority
is working hard NOT to take that path.
If you see the teams working on the project, give them a break,
the same one you would give to a highway crew. Obey the Trail
closure signs and refrain from complaining about the overall
project.
After all, they are ONLY trying to SAVE LIVES by fixing an
UNSAFE Earthen Embankment Dam right in your backyards.
We will see work in the Brockport area this week, check back for
more details later, including pictures of repairs and hopefully
a video of the stump removal process.
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